University of London online undergrad courses devised by the LSE

[CaliforniaDrumming]

Does anyone know if these are any good and thought of well by employers? Also, would an undergrad on these courses be likely to be accepted by top RG unis for a post grad if he or she did well?

You’re better off asking in thestudentroom website

Will do! This isn't for my own DS, btw, just in case you were confused:)

These courses are very well respected but also extremely difficult. They’re mostly taken by international students that already have higher education experience in the subjects they’re studying as, in practice, you have to teach yourself using a study guide and a reading list. The level of lecturer input is much much less than on a face to face course, which is reflected in the price. I studied a certificate in theology for interest while recovering from ill health and found it perfectly manageable and very rigorous-however I already have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and without that it would have been impossible. I knew how to read academic material and how to write an essay, neither of which was taught. Several of the people on that course have gone on to further study at top unis-one even to Oxford-so that’s not really an issue, but the failure rate on the online undergrad degree is astronomical. They set the standard in the exam and it’s up to the student to get themselves to that standard. I’m not trying to put you off as I really enjoyed my experience but just so you’re aware.

@JennieTheZebra

These courses are very well respected but also extremely difficult. They’re mostly taken by international students that already have higher education experience in the subjects they’re studying as, in practice, you have to teach yourself using a study guide and a reading list. The level of lecturer input is much much less than on a face to face course, which is reflected in the price. I studied a certificate in theology for interest while recovering from ill health and found it perfectly manageable and very rigorous-however I already have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and without that it would have been impossible. I knew how to read academic material and how to write an essay, neither of which was taught. Several of the people on that course have gone on to further study at top unis-one even to Oxford-so that’s not really an issue, but the failure rate on the online undergrad degree is astronomical. They set the standard in the exam and it’s up to the student to get themselves to that standard. I’m not trying to put you off as I really enjoyed my experience but just so you’re aware.

Exactly this! Essentially you're teaching yourself. Is he capable of teaching himself to good degree level?

From your other thread these courses really wouldn't be suitable. He has an offer from a good RG uni - take it if he doesn't get any of his preferred offers.

So sorry I have confused everyone by starting two simultaneous threads. This is not for my DS. It is for a friend whose DD is ill and therefore can't attend uni in person. But I will tell her of these concerns.

@CaliforniaDrumming

So sorry I have confused everyone by starting two simultaneous threads. This is not for my DS. It is for a friend whose DD is ill and therefore can't attend uni in person. But I will tell her of these concerns.

Ah sorry! OU would be a better option then.

was going to post this as well but lost it
In foreign countries UoL degrees can be taken on students' own or delivered in partnership with recognised institutions ; these are highly regarded especially if said country doesn't have anything approaching 'good' universities. Sometimes people can even transfer to the LSE after completing one year of the UoL program - if spaces are available (e.g. dropouts). I know of people who have done this for BSc Accounting and Finance.

In the U.K the degree doesn't have the prestige of an actual LSE degree and won't get you a graduate work visa as it's online. It's academically rigorous - but obviously not as competitive as a full-time LSE degree. UoL online programmes are designed for people around the world to be able to access a quality education rather than be a direct competitor to in-UK degrees.
However most large employers are degree blind anyway. Big4 accounting firms for example recruit on a rolling basis. Someone with a degree from a 'mediocre' university but with a good CV (showing extracurriculars, good leadership etc) will get further than someone with 'good' uni grades and nothing else.

As an aside a lot of people from 'good' unis who get good jobs are heavily involved in a lot of activities. It seems like the uni name makes a difference but that's not actually the case, just that people at these unis tend to more driven and the uni gives access to a lot of resources + career coaching. LSE for example has loads of students working with alumni+ employers to do freelance consulting, organise case study competitions etc etc.

An online degree won't give you all of that so you'll have to consider how your career plan will work. I'd suggest going at least part-time if possible rather than fully online. Don't think UoL offers this but something to consider

also to add PG shouldnt be an issue the degrees are as rigorous